It is an open secret that celebrities are privy to teams of dedicated outfit, hair and makeup professionals who ensure that they always look good. The priming definitely helps, but celebrities actually have to work at being photogenic. The truth is that with a little work and understanding how to pose to highlight your best features, almost anyone can take great photos. Following a few simple rules or tips ensure that you always put the proverbial best foot forward and look natural doing it.
Angles are important
Posing is all about angles. One important rule that virtually all A-list photographers follow is to never shoot a celebrity from below. There is a simple reason for this; almost anyone looks good from above. Taking photos from the top conceals an unflattering chin and highlights the eyes. Simply taking photos at eye level or higher greatly enhances the quality of the pictures.
A genuine smile goes a long way
It sounds simple but as with most simple things, there is a catch. Smiling for a photograph is highly recommended as long as the smile is genuine. There are a few tricks you can use to guarantee a genuine smile every time.
Think about something that makes you happy such as your spouse or children. To make a fake smile appear genuine, push the tongue against the top-front of the mouth. This lifts the cheeks for a more authentic smile. Browse through old photos where you like your smile and practice replicating it.
Related: How to Pose Like a Model for Photos
Good lighting makes all the difference
A rule of thumb in photography is the more the light, the better the picture. Although cameras and smartphones are consistently getting better, you still need light to take great photos. Where possible, pose while stand close to a light source such as a candle, doorway, window or mirror. Ensure that the light is in front of you rather than behind you or to the side. This helps to prevent shadows forming on your face or frame.
With makeup, more is less
The most important makeup you need to be photogenic is lip gloss or lipstick and mascara. Light and simple helps to keep the focus on your natural beauty whilst blush and eyeshadow can be distracting. At the end of the day, makeup is meant to make you feel beautiful and confident so use what you are comfortable with. The extra boost of confidence is what transforms a good photo into a great one.
Choose your outfits wisely
Just like makeup, great clothes make you feel confident and happy. Consider clothes that make you appear thinner or that conceal any perceived flaws. A good tailor can make all the difference to your wardrobe. At the very least, ensure that your clothes fit well. Clothes that are too small or too big don’t look good in photos or in person.
Be aware of your surroundings
A great photo can be ruined by the background so be conscious of your surroundings when taking photos. Avoid posing around random people or things that distract attention from you, the subject. Consider moving to a location with a neutral background where possible.
Find something to do with your hands
Photographs have a way of making people feel self-conscious. A great way to avoid this feeling is to find something to do with your hands. Pose for your photo with your arms crossed or place them on your hips or in your pockets. Dangling arms look awkward and interfere with your confidence.
Pay attention to your colors
Ill-fitting clothes can ruin a good photograph in the same way that ill-thought-out colors do. For people who love experimenting with colors, the challenge is striking the balance between attention-grabbing and distracting. Avoid crazy colors and patterns especially if they match your skin tone. A great way to ensure that an outfit pops is to choose colors that contrast with your skin tone.
Turn your body to the side
Finally, a great way to look thinner when posing for photographs is to stand at an angle with one foot in front of the other. The front foot should point towards the camera while the back foot supports the bulk of your weight. The result is an overall slim profile. Facing the camera directly gives the illusion of a larger frame.
The main idea behind posing for great photos is to look natural. These tips simply help to enhance your frame and set the scene for the perfect photograph. With a little practice, you should be able to take stunning photos every time.
